Filipino hoops legend Jimmy Alapag is grateful to be a step closer to his dream of coaching in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and expressed his thanks to former Sacramento Kings ace and current Stockton Kings head coach Bobby Jackson.

“Words can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity to join the Stockton Kings for the upcoming NBA G League season,” Alapag’s post read. “Special thanks to Coach Bobby Jackson and Paul Johnson for believing in me and giving me this chance.”

Alapag, a former MVP of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), was named an assistant coach of the Stockton Kings—the G League affiliate of the NBA team, Sacramento Kings—on Monday.

This opportunity places Alapag in the staff led by Jackson, the 2003 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. The 43-year old Alapag worked as an assistant to Jackson in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League where Sacramento came away with the championship.

After his decorated playing career in the PBA, Alapag quickly transitioned to coaching and early on, showed his coaching chops, leading the Alab Pilipinas to the title in the Asean Basketball League. He also briefly served as an assistant coach on the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA.

Alapag added he’s ready to get started on the next chapter of his career.

“Looking forward to connecting with the entire Stockton community,” Alapag said. “Time to get to work!” (JNP)